Bridging the gap between the university and the public school system is critical to teacher success. As part of the SMART NY training Dr. Dianna Padilla of Stony Brook University led a SEM training on Snail teeth. Dr. Padilla’s focus was on the adaptation of snail teeth and how shape is influenced by diet. This lesson set the stage for teacher PD that will occur in the salt marsh ecosystem.
We have made the Hitachi -Inspire program a focus of our PD module for STEAM. Through SEM usage we have been capable of addressing the needs of at-risk subgroups in the Brentwood Union Free School District (BUFSD) by providing teachers with meaningful professional development geared toward engaging teachers of SWD and ELLs in computer science and STEAM learning. Through SEM imaging we have been able to creatively and seamlessly implement the Digital Fluency, Technology and NGSS standards. By engaging educators in real-world investigations of the natural world and honing in on issues surrounding technology we are using the SEM to create global citizens.
Our SMART NY Grant is built on the U.S. Department of Education tenant “technology infuses classrooms with digital learning tools, such as computers and hand-held devices; expands course offerings, experiences, and learning materials; supports learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; builds 21st century skills; increases student engagement and motivation; and accelerates learning”. Coupling this with “Seeing is Believing” we are using SEM to not only educate educators and students, but also inspire.
